New building 'raises the bar'

Tappoo Group of Companies executive chairman Kanti Tappoo chats with Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama during the official opening of TappooCity in Suva on Thursday. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU

"OUR investment in ourselves is also an investment in our fellow citizens and an investment in our country's economy," says Tappoo Group of Companies chairman Kanti Lal Tappoo.

Speaking at the official opening of TappooCity on Thursday night, Mr Tappoo said the company had invested heavily and consistently in the Fiji economy since TappooCity opened its doors to the local and international shopping community.

The shopping complex was officially opened by the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama. What started as a one-man operation of hawking jewellery in the hilly terrains of Sigatoka Valley Rd after long hours at the forge, evolved into a jewellery store, then a grocery business and finally into what you see before you now," said Mr Tappoo.

He said the construction and opening of TappooCity marked the beginning of a new renaissance of luxury in Fiji's hospitality industry.

"This department store is the very first of its kind in Fiji," Mr Tappoo said.

Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said such projects as this one had lifted the tone of Suva.

"This building has raised the bar and has set a very high standard for everyone else," Commodore Bainimarama said.

He said constructive and attractive policies were the best way to attract investment in Fiji.

He said the government's support of the private sector had been steadfast.